PowerCast: Energy Costs, Competitiveness and the UK Market

PowerCast: Energy Costs, Competitiveness and the UK Market

Energy prices have dominated headlines since the 2022 energy crisis. But while wholesale prices have eased at times, many businesses are still facing high and rising costs. In this episode of PowerCast, we explore what is really driving energy bills today. From rising network and policy costs to the impact of long-term infrastructure investment, the conversation goes beyond wholesale markets to unpack the structural changes shaping the UK energy system. Joined by EDF’s Director of Strategy and Policy, Josh Buckland, we discuss: * Why non-energy costs are becoming a bigger part of the bill * How falling demand and rising fixed costs are pushing prices higher * The UK’s competitiveness challenge compared to other countries * The impact of recent global events on price volatility Crucially, we also explore what this means for businesses and what action can be taken now. From managing risk through contract choices and forecasting, to engaging in policy discussions and considering longer-term shifts such as electrification and flexibility, businesses have more options than they might think. As the UK continues its transition to a low-carbon energy system, the balance between affordability, investment and competitiveness is becoming more complex. Understanding these changes is key to making informed commercial decisions. This episode provides a clear, expert-led view of what is happening now, what’s driving costs, and how businesses can respond.

PowerCast: Market Shock; Smart Moves - Navigating Price Volatility

This episode marks the transition from PowerCast into Talking Power, following the coming together of EDF’s Wholesale Market Services and Business Solutions teams into EDF Business and Wholesale. The aim is to bring expertise from across markets, supply, flexibility, assets and data into one team to better support customers. The discussion focuses on recent energy market volatility driven by escalating Middle East tensions and the risk to LNG flows via the Strait of Hormuz. This has led to a sharp rise in gas prices, with knock-on impacts to electricity prices, including near-daily swings of 10–25%. Key insights: * Volatility is the defining feature * Gas prices have roughly doubled in weeks, with extreme intra-day movements. * Market reactions are being driven as much by sentiment and news as fundamentals. * Customer behaviour is split * Some customers are locking in prices for certainty. * Others are delaying decisions, hoping prices fall. * Large businesses are generally staying disciplined, sticking to hedging strategies. * Hedging and contracts matter more than ever * Customers already contracted are protected. * Those exposed to market timing face higher risk and complexity. * EDF’s role is execution and risk management * Rapid pricing, trading expertise, and market insight help customers act in volatile conditions. * High operational resilience during peak demand periods (April renewals + volatility). * Flexibility and optionality are critical * Range of products from fixed to flexible allows alignment with risk appetite. * Structured products reduce the need to “time the market.” * Beyond price: wider cost levers * Non-energy costs (e.g. balancing, CfD) can move differently to wholesale prices. * Data, metering, and consumption insights are key to managing total energy cost. * Strategic shift in energy management * Increasing focus on: * On-site generation (solar) * Batteries and flexibility * Demand shifting to avoid peak costs * These align with broader system trends where flexibility value rises with volatility Energy markets are no longer just about price. The winners are those with strategy, flexibility, and access to real-time expertise.

PowerCast: What 2026 holds for battery storage assets, with Ed Porter, Modo Energy

In this episode of PowerCast, David from EDF Wholesale Market Services is joined by Ed Porter from Modo Energy to explore what 2026 could mean for battery storage assets. The conversation looks at why battery revenues may increase, how demand growth from EVs, heat pumps and data centres is reshaping market dynamics, and why volatility, negative pricing and weather variability are becoming defining features of modern power markets. Ed shares insights from Modo Energy’s data and research on how investors and asset owners are adapting, from evolving contract structures and cost of capital pressures to the growing importance of co-location and new market mechanisms. Together, the discussion offers a clear, forward-looking view of how storage, renewables and market design are likely to evolve as the energy system continues to change at pace.

PowerCast: Forecasting in Volatile Energy Markets

How do you forecast what thousands of customers will consume or generate every half hour, then use that insight to price contracts, hedge risk and trade smarter? In this episode of PowerCast, David from EDF Wholesale Market Services sits down with volume forecasting experts Emily Short and Steve Pugh to reveal the hidden function that underpins accurate pricing and confident trading across power, gas and renewables. Emily explains how the team produces reliable forecasts multiple times a day, why data quality is everything, and the sheer scale involved: EDF supplies around 40 to 50 TWh of consumption, forecasts 4 to 5 years ahead, and looks as far as 20 years ahead for renewable offtake. Steve takes us into the renewables challenge: onboarding much larger wind and solar PPAs, building site-specific models for bespoke assets, increasing automation for round-the-clock support, and pushing accuracy further by interrogating the limits of weather forecasting and exploring blended providers. The conversation also covers tightening NESO requirements in the Balancing Mechanism and why that creates both pressure and opportunity for EDF as renewable portfolios grow. A practical, behind-the-scenes look at how forecasting helps EDF stay ahead of market volatility, support sales teams with sharper pricing, and manage risk as the system evolves.

PowerCastMarket Recap: November's Renewables Rise, Spreads Narrow and Winter Signals Emerge

This month we're joined by market analysts Curtis Higgins and Will Illesley to review how GB power markets performed in November, covering wholesale prices, the Balancing Mechanism and ancillary services. November was characterised by strong renewable generation and a generally stable system, which led to narrower market spreads and slightly lower battery revenues compared with October. A cold snap mid month increased demand and created short periods of price volatility, but prices eased later in the month as wind generation increased and reliance on gas reduced. The episode also highlights a notable milestone for wind, with Great Britain setting a new maximum wind generation record during November. The discussion includes a clear explainer on triads and why they matter for flexible assets, including how potential triad days influence optimisation strategies and spill over into frequency response and wholesale markets. The team also explores Balancing Mechanism trends, where volumes remained high but value softened, and how ongoing grid constraints, particularly in Scotland, continue to shape market outcomes.